What
Can We Do about It?
Prevention: The Spread of HIV/AIDS Can Be Stopped
Almost all
HIV transmission is the result of unprotected sex or sharing needles with
an HIV-positive person. If you abstain from sex altogether and do not
inject drugs, your risk of HIV infection is virtually zero. Safe sex and
clean needles also reduce the risk of infection to virtually zero. If
you are sexually active or use needles, the following precautions will
prevent you from contracting or transmitting HIV:
- If you
are sexually active, you can protect yourself from HIV by using a latex
or polyurethane condom.(Skin-type condoms do not provide effective protection.)
For information on correct condom use, click here:http://www.safersex.org/condoms/how.to.dunn/
Condoms are close to 100% effective in preventing HIV infection (as well as other sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy). But remember: Condoms only work if you use them properly and use them every time.
- If you
use a needle to inject drugs, you can avoid the risk of HIV infection
by: using new, sterile equipment every time; never sharing needles or
syringes.
If you are an injection drug user (for other than medical reasons), however, you are risking serious additional health problems besides HIV. The best way to take care of yourself is to seek treatment to help you quit.
Click Here
National AIDS Hotline:
1-800-232-4636
TTY: 1-888-232-6348
Email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
